S95 - Supervision of Fire Alarm System Supervisory and Trouble Signals Questions and Answers

Question 1

A building's Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) indicates a 'Ground Fault' condition. According to NFPA 72, which type of signal is this, and what is the implication?

Accepted Answer

A trouble signal, indicating a fault within the fire alarm system's wiring or components.

Answer

A supervisory signal, indicating a problem with a monitored system like a sprinkler valve.

Answer

An alarm signal, indicating an immediate life-threatening emergency.

Answer

A pre-alarm signal, indicating that a detector has reached a set threshold below a full alarm.

Question 2

An S-95 holder observes a supervisory signal on the FACP indicating 'Fire Pump Power Off'. Which of the following best describes the situation?

Accepted Answer

A component critical to the building's fire suppression system is in an abnormal state.

Answer

The fire alarm system's backup batteries are low and require replacement.

Answer

A fault exists in the fire alarm wiring, such as an open circuit.

Answer

The primary power to the FACP has been lost and it is running on secondary power.

Question 3

Which of the following conditions would initiate a supervisory signal, but NOT a trouble signal?

Accepted Answer

A tamper switch on a sprinkler control valve being closed.

Answer

A loss of primary AC power to the fire alarm control panel.

Answer

An open circuit on a notification appliance circuit (NAC).

Answer

A communication failure between the FACP and the central monitoring station.

Question 4

While on duty, an S-95 certificate holder notices the FACP is beeping with a yellow light illuminated. The display reads 'Low Air Pressure - Dry Sprinkler System Zone 3'. What is the correct signal classification and the immediate priority?

Accepted Answer

Supervisory signal; the certificate holder should investigate and notify the building manager.

Answer

Trouble signal; the certificate holder must immediately call their service company.

Answer

Alarm signal; the certificate holder must evacuate the building.

Answer

Pre-alarm signal; the certificate holder should wait to see if it escalates to a full alarm.

Question 5

A fire alarm control panel is operating on its secondary power source (batteries) due to a building-wide power outage. After several hours, a distinct, audible signal begins to sound from the FACP, and the display shows 'Low Battery'. This signal is classified as a:

Accepted Answer

Trouble Signal

Answer

Supervisory Signal

Answer

Alarm Signal

Answer

Ground Fault Signal

Question 6

What is the fundamental purpose of a supervisory signal within a fire alarm system?

Accepted Answer

To monitor the status of other fire protection systems and indicate when they are in an abnormal state.

Answer

To indicate a fault, such as a broken wire or component failure, within the fire alarm system.

Answer

To provide an early warning that a smoke detector is accumulating dust and may cause a false alarm.

Answer

To initiate occupant evacuation and notify the fire department of an active fire.

A building's Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) indicates a 'Ground Fault' condition.According to NFPA 72, which type of signal is this, and what is the implication?

A building's Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) indicates a 'Ground Fault' condition.
According to NFPA 72, which type of signal is this, and what is the implication?